Relationships

Does Puerto Rico recognize marriages of same-sex couples from other jurisdictions?

NO

Does Puerto Rico offer any other type of relationship recognition for same-sex couples?

Workplace

YES

Does Puerto Rico law protect employees in the private sector from discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation?

YES

Does Puerto Rico law protect employees in the private sector from discrimination on the basis of gender identity and/or gender expression?

YES

Does Puerto Rico law expressly protect employees of state and local governments from discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation?

YES

Does Puerto Rico law expressly protect employees of state and local governments from discrimination on the basis of gender identity and/or gender expression?

Discrimination on the basis of HIV status is prohibited under Puerto Rican law. See 1 L.P.R.A §521, and 1 L.P.R.A § 522, et. seq. (“Bill of Rights for Carriers of HIV/AIDS” establishing affirmative rights for persons living with HIV).

All government employees are protected by the U.S. Constitution against irrational discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity. In addition, some measure of protection already exists under Title VII based on gender, which has been held to include gender identity and expression.

The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) and several courts have interpreted Title VII to protect transgender employees, and the EEOC has interpreted Title VII to cover sexual orientation discrimination. The Supreme Court has held that the EEOC's interpretations of Title VII are entitled to "great deference."